From Under His Feathers Interview + Giveaway >>>

1. what inspires you the most? 

I’m sure you know this by now, but to try to narrow sources of inspiration down to just one thing or group of things is like trying to force water through a pinhole… First and foremost, I am inspired by nature, by people living close to the earth, by people who live authentically in their walk with God, by people who live authentically in their relationship with themselves. Let me read about a couple with children who have risked everything to have a small farm, where they are raising their children with dirt under their fingernails (and toenails, for that matter), living and learning the process of growing food and their flock of chickens, with wide open spaces to get lost in, good, wholesome, natural, homegrown food to be prepared in a big kitchen warmed by a big stone fireplace, who are able to extend their blessings into the community to help others thrive, and I think my soul might explode. 

2. what are some of the most important lessons you have learned in life? 

If there is one thing I’ve learned across my thirty two years, it’s that life is hard. It doesn’t get easier either, and if you haven’t figured that out yet, well, one day you will. The more entrenched we become with years, the more the tendrils of our existence stretch out and back and around and into the lives and world around us, and the more complicated our existence becomes. The more intense our responsibilities weigh upon us… The more important and pressing the need to leave a legacy becomes. I personally have found that to follow Jesus and all that he says is key to my sanity, my purpose, my love, my life. Don’t stop reading now, just because you saw his name!! The truth is, whether you believe that he is who “they” say that he is or not, to live by his words and teachings will absolutely wreck your life… to truly not worry about tomorrow because tomorrow has enough worry of its own (live in the present moment), to love others to the point of pain and sacrifice of your own life and resources, trusting that it will returned to you, to know that it’s all about LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and RELATIONSHIP in this life, and to leave the legacy of service, love and grace, mercy, acceptance and embracing every moment of life as precious and fleeting is an immensely beautiful thing. Yes, I am a Christ-follower (and I share a lot about that love relationship on my blog), and his example is the most important lesson I have learned and will continue to learn throughout my life unto my grave… learn to love, live simply, keep open hands to receive and to give, share Love with others, take care of the widow and orphan, be a conduit for this Love to others to bring healing, reconciliation and providence to them as Jesus did… Life presents opportunities every day to engage in these lessons, in spite of our circumstances, and I try to be aware of them at all times. 

3. how do you like to spend your 'you' time? 

What’s “me” time?? Ha! As a mother of three kids, I am sure you’ll understand, “me” time is so rare. Especially now when all down time is really not down time at all… or amounts to mere minutes at the end of the day before we’re too tired to see straight and stumble into bed. However, if I have the opportunity for my husband to take the kids and I get to go off by myself, here’s what I’d do… I’d hit up a coffee shop and grab something to sip on and snack on while I shop at the local thrift joints around my area. Then I’d head over to Harry’s Farmer’s Market (owned by Whole Foods) and just engage my senses, and buy something indulgent and decadent (probably one of their German chocolate cupcakes… the icing is UNREAL)… then if I had time, I would take a loooooooooooooong walk in the woods at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield Park (a national park – preserved area where many battles of the Civil War were fought in the local area her in GA) until I felt sufficiently wasted… God, I love the woods.

 

4. is there one particular person who gave you your roots?  who and why?

The older I get, the more I realize how much my mother did to draw out all the things in me that she saw that I was interested in as a child. For one, I didn’t live with my mom growing up, but the time we had together on weekends was spent having picnics in meadows flying kites, visiting art museums and musical performances, ballets, and camping and hiking. I have always been very musical, and my mom really encouraged that as much as possible, supporting my interests in all the music that my friends WEREN’T listening to, knowing I was on to something and I had to be encouraged that it was good instincts that drew me to the things I was listening to (Eric Clapton, The Doobie Brothers, Mozart, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Alison Krauss, Mozart in 7th and 8th grade)… she took me to performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni by candlelight, the Nutcracker, and tours of the High Art Museum, etc… Mom let me be a free thinker, she let me explore my interests and encouraged all that she saw in me that was trying to blossom. She took me places where she knew I was happiest (on a trail in the mountains or in a tent in the woods)… if it wasn’t for her, I am not sure I would have had any sense about who I was even in those fledgling years after high school when I went galavanting through drug culture to try to find more of myself (a big fat mistake, I only lost myself). I’ve realized over the years as well how much I am like her and her side of the family… strong, independent women, who are resourceful, somewhat insane, but passionate… who like to work and make something useful out of things otherwise useless. Who love to serve and love others, meet their basic needs and to create. It’s good stock that I come from, and if it weren’t for my Mom, I don’t know how much of a sense of connectedness I would have to my roots. 

{I love this insight into Brooke's heart.  Her outlook on life is very strong and very inspiring.  Thank you Brooke for being you!}

 Brooke's runs a vintage shop on etsy called Clementine & Nellie, and is offering up a $25 shop credit to one lucky reader.  She has been in the middle of a major move, so she wanted to let you know that her shop is low right now but will be re-stocked in a few weeks.

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PEACE,

Laura